Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/03/1993 Council Minutes (2)2.86 COUNCIL WORK SESSION NOVEMBER 3, 1993 CITY OF LINO LAKES COUNCIL MINUTES DATE TIME.STARTED f:. TIME ENDED' MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT November 3, 1993 Reinert, Neal, R' None ther, Elliott, Bergeson Staff members present: Public Works Director, Don Volk; Economic Development Authority Advisory Board (EDAAB) Director, Brian Wessel; Chief of Police, David Pecchia; Accountant, Paula Schloer; City Administrator, Randy Schumacher and Clerk -Treasurer Marilyn Anderson. CITY CHARTER AMENDMENT - BRIAN WESSEL Mr. Wessel presented the proposed City Charter amendment to the City Council. He noted that the purpose of the amendment would be to take three (3) specific areas out of Chapter 8 of the City Charter and make these three (3) areas subject to State Statute 429. The amendment exempts all owner occupied properties. These properties would remain subject to Chapter 8 of the City Charter. Mayor Reinert referred to a letter written by the City Charter Chairman and asked if the Charter Commission has any obligation to the amendment. Mr. Wessel explained that the Charter Commission feels that it should not contact the residents affected by the proposed City Charter change. They feel that this a staff responsibility. Council Member Kuether noted that if the residents had questions regarding the proposed Charter change, staff would respond to the questions. She asked if the affected residents had been notified of the proposal. Mr. Wessel said only through the local newspaper. Council Member Kuether felt that they should be individually notified by staff before the City Council takes final action on the matter. Mr. Wessel was asked to prepare a letter to be mailed to all affected property owners. GREENHAVEN PRESS PAGE 1 1 1 1 COUNCIL WORK SESSION NOVEMBER 3, 1993 Mr. Wessel explained that Greenhaven Press is very close to making Lino Lakes their place of business. They are a wholesaler of text books (church, university and schools) and Lino Lakes would be their distribution center. They plan to build a 15,000 square foot building in their first phase and then double the size of the building within three (3) years. Mr. Wessel explained that Greenhaven Press is close to coming before the City Council with a request for site and building plan approval. They will be before the EDAAB tomorrow and before the Planning and Zoning Board on Wednesday. Mr. Wessel said that he will appear before the next City Council work session to discuss a financing issue. Mr. Wessel noted that Greenhaven Press is a good company and he is very excited about them relocating in the Lino Lakes Business Park. They have hired Winsor/Faricy as their architect and are somewhat concerned about dealing with the City Council since they have had a bad experience with the New Brighton City Council. Mr. Wessel said that Greenhaven Press has been very responsible and responsive. ANNEXATION UPDATE Mr. Schumacher explained that after many months of testimony and a long delay in making a decision, the Municipal Board has finally made a decision to deny the annexation request from the City of Centerville. Comments made by the Municipal Board will be dealt with by the attorneys. Mr. Schumacher noted that the Municipal Board was concerned about a good relationship and how the City deals with citizens seeking to develop their lands. Lino Lakes must make sure that all documents are in good order because this matter could be back before the Municipal Board. The Municipal Board requested that the City of Lino Lakes and the City of Centerville sit down and try to plan how the area near I35E and County Road 14 could best be developed. Mayor Reinert said he sees a very good possibility of bringing the City of Hugo in on these discussions so that the final plans will benefit all surrounding property owners. Council Member Bergeson asked if the final cost of the annexation process was known. Mr. Schumacher said no, however there should be no other costs unless the City of Centerville appeals the matter. Mayor Reinert noted that the Municipal Board directed that the City work with the •landowners to prepare a plan of development. If a plan is not under consideration in 18 months, the matter could go back to the Municipal Board. Mayor Reinert felt this PAGE 2 2*8i< 2R COUNCIL WORK SESSION NOVEMBER 3, 1993 was a very good opportunity for all three (3) communities to get something going. COUNCIL AGENDA - NOVEMBER 8, 1993 Each item of the agenda was discussed. Mr. Volk noted that the City of Circle Pines is asking the City of Lino Lakes to join in a request for a speed study of County Road J (Ash Street). Currently, the majority of the street is posted at 50 MPH with the very east end posted at 35 MPH. Mr. Volk felt that if a speed study is conducted, there is a very real possibility that the 35 MPH section could be change to something higher because of the design of the street. He also noted that if Lino Lakes does not join the request for the speed study, a study of the entire street could still take place and there is no guarantee that the speed limit on the east end of the street would not be raised. Council Member Bergeson noted that because many residents have very short driveways they are forced to back out onto the street. If the speed limit were to be raised, a dangerous situation would be created. He felt the speed limit should remain at 35 MPH. DISCUSSION OF 1994 ANNUAL BUDGET Mr. Schumacher explained that all department heads have had a chance to present their individual budget proposals except Chief Pecchia. Chief Pecchia was present to outline his proposed 1994 Police Department budget. Chief Pecchia proposed that his department be reorganized. He noted that some reorganization has already occurred. The position of Administrative Assistant has been eliminated. Chief Pecchia also noted although back surgery has been postponed, an officer is still planning on taking off some time for the surgery. Chief Pecchia noted that the purpose of the departmental changes is to get officers out in the squad cars and to make additional hours available for training. The normal schedule for an officer is eight hours per day with six days on and three days off. There should be no overtime with this schedule and the hours an officer owes the City will be used for training purposes. There has been no opposition to these changes. The training schedule includes training in protecting the City from litigation, domestic abuse, drivers training and other• mandated training. The purpose of the changes is to orient the department to a PAGE 3 1 1 1 1 1 COUNCIL WORK SESSION NOVEMBER 3, 1993 community service approach and to get the officers into the community more. There will also be a change in the orientation of the Community Service Officer. This person will be more involved in neighborhood crime watch and other such programs. Chief Pecchia noted that his community oriented program may be different than the programs of the surrounding communities. He plans to attend all neighborhood crime watch meetings and will have specific issues to deal with. Most issues will be juvenile specific and all officers will get more involved with kids. He noted that the officers appear to be anxious to see what can be done in this area. Chief Pecchia told the City Council that to be more effective the Police Department needs more officers. Currently there is one officer per shift. This is not a good situation. If an officer is called to a domestic, there is no backup. He cited a recent case in which the officer arrested a domestic abuse suspect. While the officer made arrangements for the mother/wife, the suspect escaped. Chief Pecchia noted that there have been shootings in Columbus Township as well as the shootings in Lino Lakes. He noted that the criminal element has found Lino Lakes and the City must provide better trained officers to handle these situations. Currently, Chief Pecchia is requesting that the City Council hire two additional officers. He outlined his plan to promote another officer to a sergeant. This change will provide better supervision and consistency throughout each shift. The second sergeant will also help with the training and each officer must show proficiency quarterly and annually. Chief Pecchia noted that there had not been any supervision in the Department for some time and now he must deal with this situation. Chief Pecchia explained that the CSO's roll will continue to evolve into crime prevention. He is also looking at a second part time CSO to cover hours that the full time CSO does not cover and assist officers with non critical duties. Chief Pecchia told the City Council that he is planning to add five additional reserve officers in 1994. The only expense for this addition is uniforms. The training will be handled internally or at Anoka County at little or no cost. Chief Pecchia said that he would like to have a total of about 20 reserve officers. Internally, Chief Pecchia plans to assign one officer to special duty. The duties include following up on particular cases. This officer will also serve as a liaison to Anoka County and the PAGE 4 28 290 COUNCIL WORK SESSION NOVEMBER 3, 1993 Criminal Investigation Division (CID). He/she will be given the opportunity to use creativity and ingenuity in solving problems uncovered by the CSO or the police officers. Chief Pecchia told the City Council that he plans to divide the Police Department into three precincts with two officers per precinct. The officers would be available to the community for non emergency calls or make presentations and deal with neighborhood groups. Mayor Reinert asked Chief Pecchia if there would be a possibility that a reserve officer could also be a fire fighter. Chief Pecchia said yes but that would not be a requirement. He noted that he has started to have more contact with the Centennial Fire Department. Chief Pecchia explained that he has spent time with the Fire Chief, Milo Bennett working on the McGruff program. Mayor Reinert asked Chief Pecchia is he is asking for four additional officers and a part time CSO. Chief Pecchia said no, he is looking at hiring two new full time officers and a part time CSO. Council Member Kuether noted that the only expense for additional reserve officers is uniforms. She asked if there would be additional liability costs. Chief Pecchia said no, the liability would be limited by seeing that each reserve officer completed the training programs. Ms. Schloer noted that there would be extra costs for workers compensation. The cost is the same as the cost for a starting police officer. Mayor Reinert noted that Chief Pecchia is requesting two new police officers for 1994 and the City Administrator is recommending that one officer be hired. He asked if one officer could be hired at the beginning of the year and the second officer later in the year. Chief Pecchia said he planned to hire both at midyear or about three fourths of the year. Chief Pecchia explained the training program for the new officers and said this would determine when the officers would be hired. Chief Pecchia explained that there is a grant available through President Clinton's plan. The conditions of the grant require that the City pay one quarter of the officers salary for three years and then the City 'would be responsible for the entire salary. Chief. Pecchia said he was contemplating writing a grant for three officers and hopes he will get one officer. Mayor Reinert asked that Chief Pecchia to prepare a total of the cost for the programs outlined tonight. PAGE 5 1 1 1 1 1 1 COUNCIL WORK SESSION NOVEMBER 3, 1993 Council Member Kuether asked if the City hires two additional officers now and then is awarded the grant, what happens to the two officers just hired. Chief Pecchia explained that the three new officers allowed by the grant would be cycled in behind the two officers hired by the City. Mr. Schumacher noted that the proposed Police Department budget for 1994 does contain enough money to handle this situation. Mayor Reinert asked if additional equipment would be needed for the officers. Chief Pecchia said no. Council Member Bergeson asked when the City would know if all or any of the grant was awarded to the City. Chief Pecchia said probably January 1, 1994. Mayor Reinert asked if there is something that this City could use to entice Columbus Township to contract police service with Lino Lakes. Chief Pecchia said trained volunteers (reserve officers) is a good selling point. Council Member Kuether asked where Lino Lakes would get reserve officers. Chief Pecchia said an advertisement would be place in local newspapers. The City would focus on hiring Lino Lakes citizens and citizens from neighboring communities. Chief Pecchia explained the cost of hiring new police officers. He noted that he is planning to use MPRS who will examine all candidates and recommend several for interviews. The cost will be about $1,500.00 plus $400.00 per candidate. This will eliminate hiring problems such as "cronyism". The proposed hiring of an engineering "tech" was discussed. Mayor Reinert noted that Mr. Volk is now doing some on-site work and some supervision of the two (2) consulting inspectors. He asked if the new "tech" would fill this role. Mr. Schumacher said yes this would free Mr. Volk to do other things such as a long term study of the utility system. Mr. Schumacher also noted that approximately one half of the salary for the "tech" would be charged to certain projects. Mayor Reinert asked about the relationship between the Public Works Director, the Public Works Supervisor and the City Engineer. He asked if there will be some overlap in the supervisory line. Mr. Schumacher explained that this will be handled with the restructuring of departments. Mayor Reinert felt that this matter should be discussed because dollars will be moved from one area to another. Council Member Elliott addressed the budget item for heating, cooling and rebuilding of city hall. Mr. Schumacher noted that PAGE 6 291 29% COUNCIL WORK SESSION NOVEMBER 3, 1993 the building is 20 years old and has many problems with ventilation. The dollars budgeted for this item may not be spent this year but it is difficult to tell when something major will go wrong. Council Member Bergeson listed his priorities: 1. Full time Economic Development Director. 2. A dollar amount for additional office space. 3. Accommodate some of the Chief of Police requests to get some of his recommended programs started. Council Member Elliott listed her priorities: 1. Full time Economic Development Director. 2. Additional police officers as recommended by Chief Pecchia. 3. Office space, the office is too crowded. She also noted that personnel issues are a top priority and must be addressed. Council Member Neal listed his priorities: 1. Full time Economic Development Director. 2. Additional police officers as recommended by Chief Pecchia. 3. Computer purchase. He noted that the Police Department received a good estimate today for interfacing the proposed equipment. 4. Two (2) patrol vehicles. He explained that he did not ever want to be in a situation again of purchasing four (4) new vehicles. 5. Electric engine analyzer. Council Member Neal asked several questions; What is a ball field groomer? Must this City always have the top of the line equipment? Recreational vehicle rental, what is this item? Do our trails have to be blacktopped, other cities are using Class V? Mr. Schumacher explained that the rented recreational vehicle is for the therapeutic EDA person and Class V is only a base material, blacktop is the final surface. Council Member Neal noted that he did not feel the emergency fund was necessary. Council Member Kuether listed her priorities: 1. Felt that a full time Economic Director is a very big step and should there should be more thought given to the matter. 2. Agreed with Council Member Neal about the Police Department and felt that the driveway and garage should also be PAGE 7 1 1 1 293 COUNCIL WORK SESSION NOVEMBER 3, 1993 completed. She indicated that if the driveway and garage is not going to be completed, additional vehicles should be purchased and allow the police officers to take them home after their shifts. This would eliminate five (5) cars from the parking lot. 3. Space needs must be addressed. Council Member Kuether asked what a new building would cost, what can be done with the old building or can they be sold and how much could they be sold for. She noted that there are many budget items for building upkeep or renovation is this is a waste of money. No matter what is done to the buildings, it will not enhance the sale of the property. Mayor Reinert presented the following comments: 1. Personnel, engineering tech/secretary. There is a need to move the Public Works Director to where he should be and the Public Works Supervisor to where he should be. He had a question about the proposed seasonal Public Works Department employees and said he had no problem with the proposed part time seasonal program assistant. Mayor Reinert said he was not sure there is a need for a full time Economic Development Director and proposed that more hours be added to the position for 1994 and then the position would become full time in 1995. Mr. Schumacher explained that the present Economic Development Director is involved in other consulting programs and will not be available as needed on a part time basis. Mayor Reinert said that a longer "test run" is needed for this position. Council Member Bergeson noted that there still appears to be two (2) questions regarding the Economic Development Director position; 1) should the position be full time or part time, 2) should this position be a contract or employee position? Mr. Schumacher noted that many exciting things are happening and he did not want to see the momentum lost. Council Member Kuether asked what union would this position be in. Mr. Schumacher explained the management union. Mayor Reinert asked several additional questions: can the City operate with its current fleet of vehicles, what is the payback for the electric engine analyzer, can the City get some gifts or contributions for the ball groomer? Mr. Volk explained that the electric engine analyzer will pay for itself in five (5) years. The other questions were not answered at this time. Mayor Reinert explained that the heating and cooling equipment must be updated because the current equipment is failing. He suggested that two (2) additional officers be added to the Police PAGE 8 294 COUNCIL WORK SESSION NOVEMBER 3, 1993 Department by hiring them in the middle of the year. Mayor Reinert listed his priorities: 1. Engineering "tech" 2. Economic Development Director 3. Space - Mayor Reinert asked for Council support to put together a study liaison position after the first of the year. Council Member Kuether suggested that the City Council tour the new facility in Elk River. Mr. Schumacher explained that a building study was conducted several years ago by Winsor/Faricy. It would cost about $8,300.00 to update this study by the same firm. However, if staff updated the study, the cost would be about $2,000.00. Mr. Schumacher recommended that the study be updated and then the City Council review it and decide when another facility should be constructed. If another facility is not constructed within the next two (2) or three (3) years, the Council must look at short term improvements to the current building. Council Member Bergeson noted that currently the levy is proposed to be set so as to not increase taxes. He suggested that the levy could be increased to accommodate the space needs. This would be a one time levy increase. Mr. Schumacher addressed the projected revenues for 1994. He noted that a second full time building inspector has been hired and the cost of this position will be partially off -set by additional building permit revenues. Mr. Schumacher noted that the annexation situation with the City of Centerville used the entire $40,000.00 of the 1993 excess revenues. Both Mayor Reinert and Council Member Elliott said that they would hold to a zero increase in the levy. The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 P.M. These minutes were considered, corrected and approved at a regular City Council meeting held on January 10, 1994. Marilytl G. Anderson, Clerk -Treasurer Vernon F. Reinert, Mayor PAGE 9